MS HB1398

Prohibits law enforcement officers from requesting, requiring, or inducing persons to waive their interest in property subject to forfeiture; any such waivers are declared null, void, and inadmissible in court.

Changes the standard of proof in forfeiture proceedings from "preponderance of the evidence" to "clear and convincing evidence" for the petitioner.

Requires law enforcement agencies to obtain a seizure warrant within 72 hours of seizing property (excluding weekends and holidays) or notify the property owner that it will not be forfeited and provide retrieval instructions.

Establishes a public, searchable website maintained by the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics to track seized property from seizure through final disposition, with law enforcement agencies required to upload information within 30 days.

Effective July 1, 2020.